Qantas, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Changi Airport Group (CAG) have announced a S$5 million (US$3.8 million) partnership to promote Singapore as a destination and connecting gateway to Asia, Europe and Australia.
With the return of Qantas’ Sydney-London services via Singapore from March 25, the three-year MoU that will see all parties work on joint marketing campaigns in Australia, the UK and South-east Asia to promote travel on Qantas services via Singapore.
According to a joint statement from the partners, London is Changi’s busiest longhaul destination. With Qantas’ new flights, Changi will offer 53 weekly services (about 19,600 one-way weekly seats) between Singapore and London. Changi Airport is also the most connected international airport to Australia, both in terms of the number of city links and weekly seats available.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the partnership is aimed at boosting the number of people travelling through Singapore from key markets in Australia and the UK.
“Singapore is Qantas’ largest hub outside of Australia, carrying more than 20 per cent of our wide body fleet. It is a cornerstone city in our international network strategy and plays an important role in our ability to respond to the incredible growth we are seeing in travellers from Asia.
Joyce expects the deal will allow Qantas to better leverage its partner network in the region, which includes three Jetstar branded carriers that connect to its flights through Changi.
STB’s chief executive Lionel Yeo said that the partnership presents an opportunity to drive more visitor arrivals to Singapore and raise its destination profile.
“Australia and the UK have always been important source markets for Singapore, ranking fifth and 12th respectively in 2017. The addition of more Qantas services, especially the return of the iconic Kangaroo Route, is set to draw even more visitors from the two countries.
In 2017, Changi Airport handled 62.2 million passenger movements, with about 30 per cent of its passengers transiting through the airport.
And with today’s travellers becoming more selective, Changi Airport Group CEO Lee Seow Hiang said the partnership is a timely way to help differentiate Singapore as a stopover point and destination.
Destination Argentina, fronted by the National Institute of Tourism Promotion, Argentina (INPROTUR), returns to IT&CM China 2018 with a much larger presence on the show floor and greater involvement in the conference segment.
Besides doubling the size of the Argentina pavilion this year, Destination Argentina will also have an Associations Day Destination Presentation, host a Networking Dinner on March 21, and organise a post-event fam trip in September.
The Argentinean entourage will include the city of Buenos Aires and Aerolíneas Argentinas, the destination’s largest airline and flag carrier.
Explaining Destination Argentina’s decision to return bigger and stronger at IT&CM China, Emora Franco, meeting industry coordination with INPROTUR, said: “China has been defined as one of the 17 prioritised markets by our National Institute of Tourism Promotion. We were extremely well-received and had a very successful participation last year. We met more buyers and decision-makers than expected, prompting our renewed efforts to return with more destinations and companies in tow.”
According to ICCA statistics, Argentina ranks as one of the top 20 most popular countries for association meetings, with more than 180 international congresses under its belt. Its capital, Buenos Aires, holds top spot as a meetings city in the Americas for eight consecutive years.
The country has also been developing its tourism infrastructure exponentially, stimulating investment and massive potential in business and leisure travel.
Culturally diverse, Argentina has six tourist regions that combine Latin American spirit with European legacy, 48 destinations suitable for hosting international events, and over 30 local CVBs. It also receives more than 800 international flights weekly from 50 destinations across five continents.
Franco said: “Argentina is a destination of excellence coupled with affordability within the Latin America region. For overseas tourists, we waive the 21 per cent VAT usually charged on accommodation, breakfast included, if it is part of the cost of lodging. As of 2016, Chinese tourists are exempted from requiring visas to travel to Argentina if they hold valid visas for Europe or the US, further boosting connectivity and breaking down barriers to entry.”
Hilton makes its debut in Serbia
The first Hilton in the country has opened in Serbia’s capital city, Belgrade. Offering 242 guestrooms including 19 suites, the new-build is situated in Old Town, near to Slavija Square.
For meetings and events, Hilton Belgrade’s function spaces include a pillarless ballroom which can host up to 520 guests, an outdoor garden space for 300 pax, a boardroom, and three meeting rooms.
Recreational facilities include the 24/7 LivingWell Health Club, which features a sauna, thermal baths, relaxation room and fitness room. There are three F&B options – Two Kings Restaurant & Bar which serves up modern Serbian cuisine; the SkyLounge Bar & Dining on the rooftop which offers cocktails and Pan-Asian cuisine; and a bar in the lobby.
Massachusetts Convention Center Authority picks Arcadis to improve four venues
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) has appointed Arcadis to oversee a capital improvements construction programme to enhance four of its facilities.
Arcadis will act as an extension of MCCA staff and lead construction management and administration activities to plan, initiate, manage, and execute capital projects at Boston’s John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, the Boston Common Garage, and the MassMutual Center in Springfield.
New three-year cycle for CONEXPO Latin America
CONEXPO Latin America first began as a biennial event in 2015, with the next show happening from October 2-5, 2019 in Santiago, Chile. After which, the show – aimed at industry professionals involved in all segments of the construction industry – will be changed to every three years.
Maria Sitanggang has been appointed director of sales and marketing, ahead of Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit’s scheduled September opening.
Sitanggang joins the hotel from Hyatt Regency Hua Hin & The Barai, after spending seven years there as its director of sales and marketing. She has also worked for Hyatt properties in Bali.
She has more than 20 years of experience under her belt, having began her career with Hyatt in 2004.
Sanjay Keswani has been appointed general manager of Four Points By Sheraton Hotel & Serviced Apartments, Pune.
In his new role, he will be spearheading various specialised functions of the hotel and will be responsible for steering the management team.
Prior to this, Keswani was the general manager at Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida. The seasoned hotelier has three decades of experience under his belt and has worked for brands such as Hyatt, Hilton and InterContinental Hotels Group, having started with Taj Hotels in 1986.
Mario Piazza has been named general manager of Angsana Velavaru, moving to the Maldives from his most recent appointment as the hotel manager of Banyan Tree Ringha, China.
Piazaa first joined the Banyan Tree Group as an area recreational manager at Banyan Tree Bintan and Angsana Resort and Spa in 2001. After a stint with Vinpearl Resort and Spa Group, he rejoined the Banyan Tree Group and has since cut his teeth in various positions in different locations in the region.
He had assumed roles including group recreation director and operations – Laguna Lang Co, Vietnam and the Shanghai corporate office, director of recreation at Banyan Tree Phuket and director of hotel operations manager of Banyan Tree Lijiang.
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Brought to you by Millennium Hotels and Resorts
Be it conventions, conferences or corporate meetings; discover dynamic meeting experiences with only our best. Convene at any 6 strategic hotel locations in Singapore –
Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, Orchard Hotel,
M Hotel, M Social, Studio M or Copthorne King’s.
Maximise the potential of your events through 100,000 sq ft of flexible event space.
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GRAND COPTHORNE WATERFRONT HOTEL
Total Guest Rooms: 550 | Total Serviced Suites: 24 | Total Meeting Rooms: 33 | Largest Capacity: 1,100 Persons (Theatre-style)
Overlooking the historic Singapore River, Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel is a 574-room premier deluxe conference hotel where luxurious elegance and contemporary style go hand in hand. It is located near the Central Business District and the scenic waterfront precincts of Robertson Quay, Clarke Quay and Boat Quay.
With 33 versatile, naturally lit meeting rooms, including a pillar-less ballroom covering an impressive 850 square metres, the Waterfront Conference Centre provides meeting planners a one-stop solution for all events. With state-of-the-art meeting facilities such as wireless broadband internet access, built-in projectors, intelligent lighting, sound systems for special effects and most importantly, a dedicated events team, the hotel is fully equipped to provide the highest standard of excellence and personalised service to guest, delegates and organisers. Other facilities include 3 vibrant food & beverage venues, swimming pool and on-site fully-equipped fitness centre. Guests can travel conveniently to key entertainment locations by public transport or by boat along the Singapore River for a memorable experience.
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ORCHARD HOTEL SINGAPORE
Total Guest Rooms: 656 | Total Meeting Rooms: 11 | Largest Capacity: 1,500 Persons (Theatre-style)
Winner of prestigious awards for accommodation experience, guests staying at Orchard Hotel will enjoy its perfect location, warm hospitality and choice offerings for business and leisure. Situated on Singapore’s renowned Orchard Road, the city-state’s premier retail and entertainment belt, Orchard Hotel is within walking distance from the Orchard Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station; 30 minutes from Changi International Airport; 15 minutes from the Central Business District (CBD) and just five minutes from Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Contemporary, yet classic in style, the hotel’s 656 guest rooms and suites span two characteristically unique buildings – Orchard and Claymore Wings.
Decked out with state-of-the-art meeting facilities, the very best in audio-visual technology, Orchard Hotel offers 13 elegantly-designed function venues, with a total of 20,000 square feet of function space, including one of the largest pillar-free ballrooms in town with a 6-metre high ceiling and catering up to 1,500 guests. A Halal-certified kitchen caters to events for Muslim guests. Leave it to the team of experienced and dedicated event planners and award-winning chefs to help you plan a truly memorable occasion every step of the way. A trusted caterer for state events, our offsite catering services Orchard @ Your Place delivers distinctive service and culinary creativity to your location. Other facilities include 5 dining establishments, including award-winning Hua Ting Chinese Restaurant and complimentary shuttle service to central business district, along Orchard Road.
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M HOTEL SINGAPORE
Total Guest Rooms: 415 | Total Meeting Rooms: 14 | Largest Capacity: 380 Persons (Theatre-style with stage)
M Hotel Singapore is strategically set in the heart of the CBD; the hotel is easily accessible by Tanjong Pagar Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station and offers breath-taking panoramic Singapore harbour views. Key government offices, the Integrated Resorts, Sentosa, Chinatown and Marina Bay are within close proximity. The hotel boasts 415 well-appointed guest rooms and suites designed for both discerning business and leisure travellers with modern technological amenities.
The hotel offers a host of comprehensive facilities, including 14 multi-function rooms equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Both Banquet Suite and the newly enhanced Anson Room is a serial of 4 conjoining function rooms that is flexible in configuration and can host a private meeting for 30 persons and big conference or convention for up to 380 persons. In addition to 32 fully furnished designer office suites complete with a selection of modern business and IT facilities at level 8 Office Suites and Business Centre. Other facilities include 5 popular food & beverage outlets, including Café 2000, The Buffet Restaurant, J Bar and Tea Bar serving Singapore’s most famous chicken pies; as well as a spa, an outdoor swimming pool, coin operated self-service launderette and a 24-hour gymnasium.
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STUDIO M SINGAPORE
Total Guest Rooms: 360 | Total Meeting Room: 1 | Largest Capacity: 10 Persons
Studio M Hotel is Singapore’s first fully loft-inspired designer hotel. Designed by Italian style maestro and architect, Piero Lissoni, Studio M Hotel Singapore offers contemporary living spaces in which to work, rest and play. Step into the comfort of the urban-inspired and stylish rooms with 3m high ceilings and sleek amenities including hotel-wide Wi-Fi connectivity and separate work and rest areas. Plus, each of our 360° designer rooms feature a mezzanine level, making the room feel more like your very own flat rather than an impersonal space.
Situated in the bustling entertainment precinct of Robertson Quay, just minutes away from Clarke Quay, the Central Business District (CBD) and renowned Orchard Road, Studio M is the perfect destination for casual out-of-the-box meeting venues. If you’re looking for an informal setting for a business discussion, explore the 3 private cabanas at the open-air tropical deck with a relaxed urban vibe, suitable for up to 20 persons, complemented by ready-prepared quick bites and beverages from MEMO Café. There’s also a dedicated breakfast area at level 2, which has a main deck that can be used for exclusive corporate events and private social functions for 80 to 100 persons. Guests can also enjoy a game or two of pool, darts and other game machines located in the outdoor entertainment area.
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M SOCIAL SINGAPORE
Total Guest Rooms: 293 | Total Meeting Rooms: 1 | Largest Capacity: 30 Persons
M Social is a contemporary lifestyle hotel along the stunning and historic Singapore River created for the adventurers, the explorers and those who live for new experiences. Choose from 293 eclectic rooms designed by renowned interior designer, Philippe Starck. Plus there’s Beast & Butterflies, M Social’s signature restaurant, which offers some of the best fusion cuisine in town. Private events are housed in My Space, a cosy and intimate social enclave imbued with natural daylight, paired with creative food and beverage options—perfect for all types of events for up to 30 persons.
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COPTHORNE KING’S SINGAPORE
Total Guest Rooms: 310 | Total Meeting Rooms: 7 | Largest Capacity: 320 Persons
Located nearby to Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay, Orchard Road shopping belt and Singapore business district, Copthorne King’s prides itself on providing guests with an impeccable hospitality. All guest rooms include a private balcony overlooking stunning city views and thoughtful in-room amenities to ensure a warm and comfortable stay. Japanese guests can feel a little closer to home as they enjoy Japanese tea and biscuits while browsing through a selection of Japanese magazines and newspapers.
Equipped with versatile meeting rooms, the hotel also provides just the ideal location for an inspiring event, complemented by audio-visual equipment and high speed Wi-Fi. With high ceiling and semi natural light, the combination of Marquis, Duke and Duchess Room offers a popular choice for a variety of events, including press conferences, seminars and corporate dinners for up to 100 persons. The Foyer offers an ideal venue for an intimate cocktail reception for up to 50 people or for coffee breaks between functions and seminars. For those looking for a more informal setting, explore the Garden Terrace or Pool Terrace, each features a relaxing outdoor ambience and caters up to 80 persons. Just leave it to the Events team to take care of all the fine details so you can focus on having a successful event at Copthorne King’s Hotel. Other facilities include 4 food & beverage venues, including award-winning Tien Court Restaurant serving authentic Cantonese specialties and an exquisite Penang buffet spread at Princess Terrace as well as a fully-equipped gym and mini putting green.
JW Marriott Singapore South Beach has named Oliver Sturmayr as hotel manager and Rex Loh as cluster director of sales & marketing.
In his new role, Sturmayr reports directly to JW Marriott Singapore South Beach’s managing director Stephane Fabregoul for all business- and operations- related matters of the rooms, F&B divisions and the Spa by JW.
Sturmayr started his career working in front-of-house roles at established restaurants in Austria and Germany before joining One&Only Resorts in various F&B-related appointments. His then took on the role of resident manager at One&Only The Palm, Dubai, before joining W Retreat & Spa, Bali, just prior to his current role.
Meanwhile, Loh will report to Fabregoul for JW Marriott Singapore South Beach and St Regis Singapore, as well as to Krister Svensson, general manager for W Singapore Sentosa Cove.
Loh boasts experience with the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore; Ritz-Carlton Singapore and the InterContinental Hotels Group.
It’s time to rethink Mongolia’s image as a destination solely for rugged explorers and adventurers, with the market mix changing along with improving air access from Europe and a “modernising” of the country’s visitor infrastructure.
Marking an inflection point in the destination’s evolution, a new airport – thrice the size of the existing one – is scheduled to open at end-2018, shared Gantemur Damba, president of the Mongolian Tourism Association.
“This creates huge opportunities to increase the number of international flights, especially from Europe, to Mongolia,” Damba said.
He added that the destination could soon be getting more connections from Germany, a strategic hub between east and west Europe, with Munich-Mongolia flights slated for early 2019 and plans for Lufthansa to introduce feeder services.
Traditionally, European visitors mainly arrive in Mongolia in two ways – via the Trans Siberian rail and on one of three airlines, Mongolia Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Russia’s Aeroflot.
While many Europeans prefer the Trans Siberian route, they are part of a niche and transient segment of travellers that spend just three to five days in the country, he pointed out.
On the other hand, flights bring in longer-staying travellers with stronger luxury leanings. A typical package for European travellers spans 12 to 21 days.
With improving air access, business events and luxury segments are looking set to become a bigger part of Mongolia’s visitor mix. Moreover, visitor infrastructure is maturing, with about 15 international hotel chains – such as Shangri-La and Kempinski – already in Mongolia.
He said: “In 2016, Mongolia hosted the Asia European Meeting, a high-level ministerial summit of 55 countries. (Through it) we showed that Mongolia has the potential to be the next big destination for (business events) and luxury (travel).”
Damba said these developments are also setting Mongolia up as a key transit hub, with the country being well positioned to connect Asia and Europe in an “economically efficient” way.
Meanwhile, the destination intends to vie for business events with its unique features – modern amenities without the the appearance of being a concrete jungle, remarked Damba.
Originally planned for April, the fourth year of premier gastronomic event Madrid Fusion Manila is put on hold following its sudden transfer from the Philippine Department of Tourism (DoT) to the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB).
TPB is negotiating with Spain-based Foro de Debate, owner of the Madrid Fusion franchise, for the new date of the event, according to Maricon Ebron, TPB’s officer-in-charge, office of the deputy chief operating officer for marketing and promotions sector.
Ebron commented that it is now too late to hold it in April as TPB has yet to issue the tenders for the event management and venue, which in the last three years went to the Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers (PACEOS) and SMX Convention Center Manila, respectively.
Holding it in end-July or early-August is in doubt as well because it will clash with mega event World Food Expo. TPB and Foro de Debate are also concerned about the availability of foreign chefs to participate in Madrid Fusion Manila.
Pamela Samaniego, DoT’s project director for Madrid Fusion Manila 2018, explained that the handling of the gastronomy event was transferred to TPB since the latter is responsible for the venue and event management bids, a standard procedure for government agencies.
The gastronomy event has helped put underrated Filipino cuisine and ingredients onto the international table, gaining the attention of critics and foodies alike as the next big food trend.